DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTSHIPS

Hansthal Creek is the largest of the Creeks originating from the little Rann of Kachchh and flowing into the Gulf of Kachchh. There are a number of mud and sand banks and islets in this region between Kachchh and Saurashtra (in the gulf of Kachchh). One such island formed between Sui Creek and Versamedi Creek is known as Navlakhi bet (Island) which is connected by a high level embankment for rail and road link to the town of Morbi (40 Km away). The rulers of Morbi had developed lighterage port at Navlakhi during 1909-10 at the cost of Rs 9 lakhs and so the port derived its name ‘Navlakhi’. It had the direct Steamer communication with Bombay, Rangoon and ports of Europe. It was then a gateway to states of Morbi and Rajkot. The metre gauge rail connection was extended in 1939 up to Navlakhi which was removed in 1998. There is all weather road up to the port. In 1910 a wooden post was erected near to the quay wall for hoisting an oil lamp whenever steamer called at the anchorage. Subsequently a fixed electric light was installed over a 30m MS Trestle tower in 1932. The top portion of the Tower became unsafe due to heavy rusting as such its height was reduced to 24m in 1966.

A new 24m GI trestle tower was erected in 1985 close to the old one and a 300 mm lantern (AGA) with drum optic and 230V 500W lamp was installed over it. The light was converted into flashing light on 19th September 1993. In the 1998 cyclone the light was damaged and mains supply got snapped as such it was remodelled to suit solar charging system in September 1998.

A refurbished Racon (MACE origin) was installed on the same tower and put in to operation on 1st June 1999. In the earth quake of 26th January 2001 the equipment got damaged as such the light remained in operative for some time. The light was restored on 14th February 2001.